Fostex R8 Sync

  • Thread starter Thread starter MMAID
  • Start date Start date
M

MMAID

New member
Hi

I'm trying to sync my Fostex R8 to Pro Tools using the MOTU 828Mk3.

I'm slowly getting to grips with it but a possible problem I've found is that the R8 runs at 15ips and the SMPTE generator in the MOTU software only allows rates between 24 and 30 fps.

Are ips and fps the same?

Can I record the 15ips SMPTE to the R8 from a time code generated from Pro Tools and sync up that way?

Thanks
Martin
 
No, IPS is the tape speed in inches per second. The frame rate is something else - as a rule it shouldn't matter which one you choose for audio work. I always use 25fps because it's the local standard, but it doesn't really make any difference for what you're trying to do. Just as long as you use the same setting on both ends.

To explain, if you're interested... one of the original goals for tape sync was to be able to have the tape recorder synchronized against videotape, or a film projector - this is/was extremely important in film and TV production, since you'd record the score and then need to be able to copy it to the video or film with perfect accuracy.
This is why the timecode is divided into frames... each frame of the film or video. To make it work properly with a video or film source, you would have to make sure the timecode matched the target medium - 30 frames/sec (or 29.7) is used in the US, elsewhere it's usually 25fps. 24fps is used for cinema.

For a pro-tools sync, just pick one and forget it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top